Flash rust is a nuisance to fabricators, especially on recently sandblasted metal surfaces. The rust means more work for the fabrication team. It mostly occurs when sandblasted metal is exposed to high levels of humidity and moisture or iron particle contamination. While there are various ways to prevent flash rust, impregnating sandblasting solution with flash rust inhibitors is the best technique. The thin layer of the protective coating formed during sandblasting ensures that the metal surface stays corrosion-free. However, most fabricators make some mistakes when using flash rust inhibitors with sandblasting machines. This article highlights the errors and the corrective steps to take. Read on.  

Not Knowing Amount of Water Needed

During wet sandblasting, fabricators know the right amount of water needed depending on the amount of abrasive medium chosen. However, adding an active ingredient in the form of a flash rust inhibitor adds to the equation. The reason is that the flash rust inhibitors are in liquid form. Therefore, adding the inhibitors to the sandblasting reservoir without measuring the right amount required can lead to the unbalanced mixture. For instance, if you add a flash rust inhibitor solution without changing the amount of abrasive medium, the excess liquid undermines the abrasive properties of the medium. Therefore, find out how much more water is needed for rust inhibitors during wet sandblasting. You can quickly get the information if you ask a supplier for assistance.  

Using the Same Amount of Inhibitors in all Projects

This is another common mistake among metal fabricators. Although flash rusting occurs anywhere there is wet sandblasting, surfaces that are processed with high pressure are the most susceptible. This is because the high pressure strips the metal to the core, leaving it bare and exposed. Consequently, you need a more significant amount of flash rust inhibitors to protect the surface adequately. For wet sandblasting applications where equipment pressures are kept below 10,000 PSI, a significantly smaller amount of inhibitors is required.  

Using Low-Quality Water

If you use low-quality water thinking that the rust inhibitors will perform as expected, then you are in for a surprise. Unfortunately, some fabricators mix low-quality water, inhibitors and the sandblasting medium unknowingly. If you take that approach, however, you will be defeating the protective role that flash rust inhibitors play during sandblasting. Most importantly, ensure that you use clean water in the sandblasting mixture so that the rust inhibitors can work effectively.